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Question: Best beginner rock climbing gym for 8 year old in Portland area?

Dec 30·1 min read

My son has been asking about rock climbing non-stop since his friend's birthday party at one of those places. We're in the Portland/Beaverton area. Anyone have recommendations? Looking for somewhere that's not too intimidating, decent instructors, and ideally not crazy expensive. He's athletic but hasn't done anything like this before.

Also - does anyone's kid do this regularly? Is it worth the membership or should we just do drop-in classes?

6 comments271 views

Comments(6)

EEdRegularDec 30

The cool thing is climbing builds confidence without feeling like exercise to them. He'll be amazed at what his body can do.

CChris P.RegularDec 31

Call ahead and ask if they have a kids class specifically. Makes such a difference versus just letting them loose in the gym. Instructors can teach proper form from the start.

RRaj P.RegularJan 1

My son did the same thing after his friend's party. He's been climbing for two years now and it's legit his favorite thing. Budget for it though because they always want to go more.

RRyan P.New DadJan 1

Portland has some really solid gyms for kids his age. Vertical World is probably your best bet if location isn't an issue. Great staff with experience teaching kids.

PPaul T.RegularJan 2

Eight is the perfect age to start. At that point they've got the strength and they're coordinated enough to actually have fun with it instead of getting frustrated.

DDean F.RegularDec 31

Check out Rock Gym in Beaverton too. Not sure which side of Portland you're on but that one has really good beginner programs.